Verapamil Er - Capsule Vs. Tablet

Pharmacy has changed my RX from a capsule to tablet (with approval from Dr.) Dosage is the same 240 and both are XR. Pharmacy says they can't get capsules any more, only tablets. Since the change-over (about 2 -3 months ago) my blood pressure has been inching back up and now soldily back in the "high blood pressure" readings. Doctor has temporarily increased my dosage of lisinopril (I take both) but wants my primary care to do a complete work up.

Has anyone else had problems with tablet form not working? (Capsule worked for at least 2 years or more the change is only since switch to tablet.)

My symptoms with uncontrolled high blood pressure include severe headaches and double vision. It is my top number (systolic?) that is increasing from 80s range to avg 150 and up. (I am female, 59 yoa, not obese)

I am scheduled to see my primary care Dr. but I'd like to know if there is any possiblity that the changed form of the medication (tablet vs. capsule) could be causing the problem since these changes seem to have started when the form of medication was changed.

Showing Replies 1 - 9 of 9

Though the pharmacy doesn't tell you this, there can be differences in generic medications. They usually don't mention it, because the differences are subtle and don't cause problems for most people, but for those who are sensitive to them, the allowable fluctuations can cause problems.

The U.S. FDA allows generics to differ in the active ingredient by as much as plus or minus 20%. And generics do not have to measure against each other.

Thus, if you were taking on that had the full 240mgs of the active ingredient and the new one doesn't, it could explain the sudden elevation of your blood pressure.

Thanks for your response. I wanted to take as much info as possible with me to the Dr.'s office. You've been very helpful.

One other question: if the label says Verapamil (as the only name listed on the RX) it is generic? What would the name brand be? I thought the name brand was Verapamil. So might I be better off requesting the name brand for this drug?

My pharmacy said they couldn't get the tablet form I had been using and only have capsules. Since taking the gray & yellow capsules with 60274/180mg imprinted my blood pressure had been rising after being steady for years. Also have muscle pain symptoms now. Will see Dr next week. Anyone else have muscle pain?

When I changed verapamil 240 mg capsules in walmart for the same dosage in tablets, my BP went down, I feel very happy and reduce my dosage. I think that the capsules that i had taking have the active ingredient in low concentration than tablets. IDK if it is the brands or concentration

My pharmacy switched from the tablets to the capsules. After several years of good blood pressure readings with the tablets, when I changed to the capsules both my systolic and diastolic readings suddenly jumped 30 to 40 points going as high as 190/120.. When I changed back to the tablets my blood pressure returned to 125/85 almost immediately.

I used the 120mg mr(metered release) capsules with good success for cluster headaches, I have recently had them changed to the standard 120mg tablets, my Dr says the nhs wont allow the capsules anymore, but since, my headaches are back, could it be this change?

I have beenin verapamil 120mg tablets for about 3years. For the past few months mt surgery pharmacy have not been able to get the tablets. I have been making my own enquiries at local chemists and managed to get hold of odd 28 tab packs. Boots chemists told me they have the capsules, but cannot give them to me IF TABLET IS ON THE PRESCRIPTION. This month my pharmacy had them for the first time since Christmas, but when I opened them, found they are capsules, not tablets, can you advise please?

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